More running, less pace: Bayern’s new DNA under Kompany | OneFootball

Ten games, ten wins – FC Bayern has made a dream start under Vincent Kompany. But behind the flawless record lies more than just individual quality. New statistics show that the Belgian coach has raised Munich’s physical and tactical levels to something completely different in no time.

According to the official Bundesliga statistics, Bayern covered 736 kilometers over the first six matchdays – more than any other team in the league. In addition, there were 4,395 high-intensity runs and 1,112 sprints – also top values. Under Kompany, the record champions have become a running machine.

For comparison: Under Thomas Tuchel in the 2023/24 season, Munich were still the weakest-running team in the Bundesliga, ranking only in the lower midfield for high-intensity runs and sprints.

From the weakest-running to the strongest-running team in the Bundesliga

Photo: Getty Images

Kompany has changed the game tempo not through pure speed, but through collective activity and control of space. While under Tuchel individual standouts like Leroy Sané, Kingsley Coman, or Mathys Tel created breakthroughs with explosive runs, Kompany relies on team cohesion – everyone runs, everyone works.

Strikingly, none of the 50 fastest players in the Bundesliga are Bayern pros. Josip Stanisic only appears in 51st place with 34.12 km/h. No other top club is so “slow” at the top – yet none runs more.

The reason: With the departures of sprinters Sané (Galatasaray), Coman (Al-Nassr), and Tel (Tottenham), Bayern lost pace but gained collective dynamism. In addition, Alphonso Davies is still rebuilding after his cruciate ligament tear.

The new recipe for success is therefore: less speed, more team graft. Instead of sporadic explosiveness from wingers, Kompany relies on sustained intensity – and it’s paying off.

Criticism from Hamann: “It could backfire brutally in the spring”

While the club leadership is thrilled with the new style, former Bayern star Didi Hamann warns of possible long-term effects. After the 5–1 Champions League win against Pafos, the Sky expert wrote in his column: “Bayern ran over 121 kilometers, Pafos 113. I don’t know if that’s youthful enthusiasm. But such physically unnecessary extra effort can backfire brutally in the spring, when you really need your strength.”

Kompany, on the other hand, sees the new running culture as a key success factor. High pressing, quick transitions, and constant movement in the game without the ball characterize Bayern under him more than under any of his predecessors.

Whether this running revolution ultimately makes the difference will be seen in the spring – when the title races in the Bundesliga and Champions League enter the decisive phase. But one thing is already clear: Vincent Kompany has sustainably changed the DNA of FC Bayern.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.